Unions and employers in Yorkshire are extolling the virtues of partnership today (Monday) as they tell a TUC/Yorkshire Forward conference in Leeds how this new spirit of co-operation is signalling success for bosses and workers alike in the region.
Partners for progress is the third of four regional events organised by the TUC, and a number of business organisations, in advance of the launch of the TUC's Partnership Institute later this year.
Delegates from both sides of industry attending the day-long event - which takes place at the Metropole Hotel, Kings Street, Leeds - will hear presentations from DETR regions minister, Beverley Hughes MP; Susan Clews, Assistant Director, ACAS; Julian Hemmings, Director of Yorkshire Forward (the local Regional Development Agency); and TUC economics chief, David Coats.
Throughout the day union and employer representatives from the public and private sectors, with first hand experience of partnership, will talk about how the new way of working is proving to be a recipe for success.
Case study presentations during the day will come from Elida Faberge, Robert McBride and Leeds University.
TUC General Secretary, John Monks said: "More and more employers are realising that greater success belongs to those companies who work in partnership alongside trade unions. Many businesses and unions in Yorkshire are already using partnership as the model for best practice in the workplace. I hope as a result of today's conference, those employers and unions yet to be seduced by the benefits of partnership will be encouraged to embrace this common sense way of working."
Regeneration Minister Beverley Hughes said: "Partnership is at the heart of the government's regeneration and economic development policy. We welcome the new spirit of co-operation that is signalling success for employers and their staff in Leeds. Just as businesses and unions are using partnership as the model for best practice in the workplace so Government sees partnership between unions, employers, local government and the wider community as the key to successful economic development and regeneration."
